BERRYVILLE, Ark. – IDPA shooters looking to experience the excitement and challenge of international competition should look no further than the upcoming Puerto Rico IDPA National Championship taking place in Caguas, Puerto Rico on March 16 and 17.

Hosted by the RL Shooting Club and organized by match director Max Rivera and assistant match director Tom Yost of Smith & Wesson, one of the major match sponsors, this year’s Puerto Rico IDPA Nationals will bring together over 150 top shooters from Costa Rica, Mexico, Puerto Rico, the United States and Venezuela.

“IDPA competition is really taking off in Puerto Rico thanks to the hard work of Max Rivera and local IDPA members focused on making the U.S. territory a shooting destination for our competitors,” said Joyce Wilson, executive director of the International Defensive Pistol Association.

“Over the last few years IDPA has seen incredible growth and with IDPA clubs in 54 countries the demand for more matches with an international flavor has never been greater,” added Wilson. “The Puerto Rico IDPA Nationals gives American IDPA members with little to no experience competing outside the U.S. the opportunity to experience a true international competition without really having to leave the country.”

The 2013 Puerto Rico IDPA National Championship will feature a 12-stage course of fire with a round count of 190. Registration for the match is open and slots are still available. The match fee is just $120.

In addition to major match support from Smith & Wesson, the Puerto Rico National Championship is being sponsored by Blade-Tech, Century International Arms, Comp-Tac Victory Gear, Fiocchi Ammunition, Fobus Holsters & Pouches and Uncle Mike’s Law Enforcement.

Complete match information, including registration, hotel information and firearms permitting information can be found at www.IDPAPR.com.

For more information on IDPA, the 2013 Puerto Rico IDPA National Championship or to find a club near you, visit www.IDPA.com. You can also connect with IDPA online by following @OfficialIDPA on Twitter, like ShootIDPA on Facebook, watch IDPA TV, or check for regular updates on the DOWN ZERO Blog.

BERRYVILLE, Ark. – The International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) announced that ACADEMI, a leading, privately-held training and security solutions provider serving government and commercial customers worldwide, has signed-on as a major sponsor of the 2013 Smith & Wesson IDPA Indoor National Championship.

“Thanks to the continued support of ACADEMI, through both its generous sponsorship of the Smith & Wesson Indoor Nationals and the launch of its own monthly IDPA match series at its Salem, Conn. facility, competition shooting opportunities continue to expand for IDPA members in the Northeast region,” said Robert Ray, membership and marketing director for IDPA.

Regarded as one of the finest competitive shooting matches in the country, the Smith & Wesson IDPA Indoor National Championship represents the official start of IDPA’s competition season. More than 300 of the sport’s best shooters are expected to compete for titles in Custom Defensive Pistol, Enhanced Service Pistol, Stock Service Pistol, Stock Service Revolver and Enhanced Service Revolver, the five divisions within IDPA.

The 2013 Smith & Wesson IDPA Indoor National Championship will take place February 21-23 on the indoor ranges of the Smith & Wesson Shooting Sports Center in Springfield, Massachusetts.

For more information on IDPA, the Smith & Wesson IDPA Indoor National Championship or to find a club near you, visit www.IDPA.com. You can also connect with IDPA online by following @OfficialIDPA on Twitter, like ShootIDPA on Facebook, watch IDPA TV, or check for regular updates on the DOWN ZERO Blog.

BERRYVILLE, Ark. – The International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) announced that John May has been named match director for the 2013 IDPA National Championships, marking the fifth time May takes the reigns of the organizations pinnacle match.

“It is with great pleasure that we welcome back John May as our Nationals match director,” said Joyce Wilson, executive director for IDPA. “No one else has the breadth of experience that John has when it comes to running IDPA’s biggest event. With a well-known reputation and a design philosophy that mirrors the fundamentals of IDPA, I know John will give IDPA members our best Nationals yet.”

May previously served as match director for the IDPA National Championships in 2003 thru 2006 when the event was hosted by the Central Arkansas Shooters Association (CASA). During that period the host club and match staff under May’s direction created an atmosphere of “mi casa es su casa” which helped build IDPA’s identity as one of the more social of the shooting sports.

“I am honored to once again serve as IDPA’s match director for the Nationals. For the last 16 years IDPA has grown into what is today one of the largest and most important competitive shooting organizations in the country. I am proud of the small role I played to create the fellowship of like-minded shooters that exists in IDPA today, and look forward to working with a talented team of safety officers and match staff to insure that culture of match excellence continues in the future,” said May.

Hosted by the U.S. Shooting Academy in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the 2013 IDPA National Championships will take place September 19 thru 21 and are again expected to draw over 300 of the sport’s top shooters.

IDPA headquarters will announce complete match registration details for the 2013 National Championships in the coming months. Companies interested in sponsoring the 2013 IDPA National Championships should contact Robert Ray at IDPA headquarters at (870) 545-3886.

For more information on IDPA, the IDPA National Championships or to get started in this fun and exciting defensive pistol shooting sport, visit www.IDPA.com. You can also connect with IDPA online by following @OfficialIDPA on Twitter, like ShootIDPA on Facebook, watch IDPA TV, or check for regular news and updates on the DOWN ZERO Blog.

BERRYVILLE, Ark. – The International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) announced that Ruger, the legendary American firearms manufacturer and industry leader, has signed-on as a major sponsor of the 2013 Smith & Wesson IDPA Indoor National Championship.

“Few companies have the reputation and commitment to promoting the shooting sports like Ruger. As one of the true firearms industry leaders, they have helped grow the shooting sports through their tremendous generosity, which is why we are so pleased to welcome them back as one of our major sponsors for the Smith & Wesson Indoor Nationals,” said Joyce Wilson, executive director of IDPA.

“Ruger is committed to supporting and promoting activities that benefit shooters of all interests and skill levels. We are pleased to support IDPA, and one of the top IDPA events, the Smith & Wesson Indoor Nationals,” said Ken Jorgensen, director of media relations and shooting sports for Ruger.

Regarded as one of the finest competitive shooting matches in the country, the Smith & Wesson IDPA Indoor National Championship represents the official start of IDPA’s competition season. More than 300 of the sport’s best shooters are expected to compete for titles in Custom Defensive Pistol, Enhanced Service Pistol, Stock Service Pistol, Stock Service Revolver and Enhanced Service Revolver, the five divisions within IDPA.

The 2013 Smith & Wesson IDPA Indoor National Championship will take place February 21-23 on the indoor ranges of the Smith & Wesson Shooting Sports Center in Springfield, Massachusetts.

For more information on IDPA, the Smith & Wesson IDPA Indoor National Championship or to find a club near you, visit www.IDPA.com. You can also connect with IDPA online by following @OfficialIDPA on Twitter, like ShootIDPA on Facebook, watch IDPA TV, or check for regular updates on the DOWN ZERO Blog.

About Ruger: Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. is one of the nation's leading manufacturers of high-quality firearms for the commercial sporting market. The only full-line manufacturer of American-Made firearms, Ruger offers consumers over 400 variations of more than 30 product lines. From the ubiquitous 10/22® and Mini-14® Rifles, to the new and exciting Ruger American Rifle™, SR22® Pistol and SR1911™. Our Awarding Winning Products (the Gunsite Scout Rifle, the LC9™, the SR9c™, the LCR® and the LCP®) all prove that Ruger has a rugged, reliable firearm to meet every shooter's needs. For more information visit www.Ruger.com.

BERRYVILLE, Ark. – The International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) announced that the 2013 New England Regional IDPA Championship will take place at the Harvard Sportsmen’s Club August 16 thru 18, 2013.

Hosted by the MetroWest Tactical IDPA club, the 2013 New England Regional Championship will bring together upwards of 160 top IDPA shooters from throughout New England.

“The New England Regional is a must-attend match for IDPA shooters in the Northeast and always an outstanding match thanks to the dedication and hard work of IDPA volunteers and the organizers at MetroWest Tactical,” said Tom Yost, IDPA’s area coordinator for the Northeast Region.

“IDPA is growing rapidly here in New England with MetroWest Tactical showing 118% growth in monthly match attendance over the last three years, and nearly 30% last year alone. I expect the 2013 New England Regional IDPA Championship to be another packed event.”

For information on sponsoring one of New England’s top IDPA competitions, contact sponsorship coordinators Aaron Haines or Dori Smith at sponsors@metrowesttactical.com.

For more information on IDPA, the 2013 New England Regional IDPA Championship or to find a club near you, visit www.IDPA.com. You can also connect with IDPA online by following @OfficialIDPA on Twitter, like ShootIDPA on Facebook, watch IDPA TV, or check for regular updates on the DOWN ZERO Blog.

BERRYVILLE, Ark. – Lou Denys, Match Director of the 2013 Smith & WessonIDPA Indoor National Championship, has announced the Chief Safety Officers (CSO) that will help run the championship.

Denys named Chad Barber, Terry Burba, Aaron Haines, John Healy, Chris Klassanos, Ted Picard, Brian Steskla and Phil Torres as the lead safety and scoring officials who will oversee the staff running the 13 stages of the competition.

“The Smith & Wesson Indoor Nationals has always prided itself on running one of the best matches, if not the best, in IDPA. That wouldn’t be possible without the help of an extremely hardworking and dedicated group of volunteers led by a top-flight team of CSOs,” said Lou Denys.

“I’m very proud of the team we’re putting together for next month’s Indoor Nationals and look forward to working closely with each and everyone of them to insure the best possible match for our competitors.”

The 2013 Smith & Wesson IDPA Indoor National Championship will take place February 21-23 on the indoor ranges of the Smith & Wesson Shooting Sports Center in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Regarded as one of the finest competitive shooting matches in the country, the Smith & Wesson IDPA Indoor National Championship represents the official start of IDPA’s competition season. More than 300 of the sport’s best shooters are expected to compete for titles in Custom Defensive Pistol, Enhanced Service Pistol, Stock Service Pistol, Stock Service Revolver and Enhanced Service Revolver, the five divisions within IDPA.

For more information on IDPA, the Smith & Wesson IDPA Indoor National Championship or to find a club near you, visit www.IDPA.com. You can also connect with IDPA online by following @OfficialIDPA on Twitter, like ShootIDPA on Facebook, watch IDPA TV, or check for regular updates on the DOWN ZERO Blog.

BERRYVILLE, Ark. – Trijicon, the world-renowned manufacturer of Brilliant Aiming Solutions, has returned as a major sponsor of the Smith & Wesson IDPA Indoor National Championship, according to an announcement by officials with the International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA).

“We could not be more pleased to welcome back Trijicon as a sponsor of the Smith & Wesson Indoor Nationals. Trijicon is one of the most respected names in tactical and sporting optics, making them a favorite among many IDPA members. Their continued sponsorship of IDPA competitions reflects the company’s broader and ongoing support for all the shooting sports, for which IDPA is very grateful,” said Robert Ray, membership and marketing director for IDPA.

“Trijicon is honored to be the night sight of choice for so many pistol shooters across the globe. It is proper that we help to sponsor the Smith & Wesson IDPA Indoor Nationals. It's always an exciting event when you get this many great pistol shooters in one competition and Trijicon is glad to be a part of it,” said Tom Munson, VP of sales and marketing for Trijicon.

Regarded as one of the finest competitive shooting matches in the country, the Smith & Wesson IDPA Indoor National Championship represents the official start of IDPA’s competition season. More than 300 of the sport’s best shooters are expected to compete for titles in Custom Defensive Pistol, Enhanced Service Pistol, Stock Service Pistol, Stock Service Revolver and Enhanced Service Revolver, the five divisions within IDPA.

The 2013 Smith & Wesson IDPA Indoor National Championship will take place February 21-23 on the indoor ranges of the Smith & Wesson Shooting Sports Center in Springfield, Massachusetts.

For more information on IDPA, the Smith & Wesson IDPA Indoor National Championship or to find a club near you, visit www.IDPA.com. You can also connect with IDPA online by following @OfficialIDPA on Twitter, like ShootIDPA on Facebook, watch IDPA TV, or check for regular updates on the DOWN ZERO Blog.

BERRYVILLE, Ark. – GlockTriggers.com, the premier manufacturer of custom trigger systems for Glock pistols, has signed on as a major sponsor of the Smith & Wesson IDPA Indoor National Championship, according to an announcement by officials with the International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA).

“We are very pleased to welcome GlockTriggers.com as the latest industry sponsor of the Smith & Wesson Indoor Nationals. As IDPA grows so too does the demand for top equipment, and GlockTriggers.com has been a constant and growing presence at IDPA matches around the country,” said Joyce Wilson, executive director for IDPA.

GlockTriggers.com joins Brownells, Comp-Tac Victory Gear, CORBON, GLOCK, Mossberg, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Panteao Productions, Wilson Combat and match host Smith & Wesson as a major sponsor of the competition. In addition to being one of the stage sponsors, GlockTriggers.com will be represented in the competition by the defending Stock Service Pistol division champion Bob Vogel.

“GlockTriggers.com remains committed to supporting IDPA shooters and competitions around the country. We’re proud to be joining such a distinguished list of industry leaders in sponsoring the Smith & Wesson Indoor Nationals and wish the best of luck to all the competitors – especially those running a GlockTriggers.com trigger system in their pistol,” said Jeff Wilson of GlockTriggers.com.

Regarded as one of the finest competitive shooting matches in the country, the Smith & Wesson IDPA Indoor National Championship represents the official start of IDPA’s competition season. More than 300 of the sport’s best shooters are expected to compete for titles in Custom Defensive Pistol, Enhanced Service Pistol, Stock Service Pistol, Stock Service Revolver and Enhanced Service Revolver, the five divisions within IDPA.

The 2013 Smith & Wesson IDPA Indoor National Championship will take place February 21-23 on the indoor ranges of the Smith & Wesson Shooting Sports Center in Springfield, Massachusetts.

For more information on IDPA, the Smith & Wesson IDPA Indoor National Championship or to find a club near you, visit www.IDPA.com. You can also connect with IDPA online by following @OfficialIDPA on Twitter, like ShootIDPA on Facebook, watch IDPA TV, or check for regular updates on the DOWN ZERO Blog.

BERRYVILLE, Ark. – Officials with the International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) announced that the organization has selected the U.S. Shooting Academy in Tulsa, Okla., to host the 2013 and 2014 IDPA National Championships.

The 2013 IDPA National Championships will take place September 19 thru 21 and are once again expected to draw over 300 of the sport’s top shooters to compete in the pinnacle event of the IDPA shooting season.

“We’re extremely pleased to once again partner with the U.S. Shooting Academy to produce IDPA’s National Championship event. The U.S. Shooting Academy is one of the finest shooting ranges in the country, boasting the kind of facilities infrastructure made for hosting large scale competitive shooting events,” said Joyce Wilson, executive director for IDPA.

The U.S. Shooting Academy will host the IDPA Nationals for the next two years with the 2014 match planned for September 17 thru 20 of 2014. The U.S. Shooting Academy previously hosted the IDPA Nationals in 2010 and 2009.

IDPA headquarters will announce complete match registration details for the 2013 National Championships in the coming months. Companies interested in sponsoring the 2013 IDPA National Championships should contact Robert Ray at IDPA headquarters at (870) 545-3886.

For more information on IDPA, the IDPA National Championships or to get started in this fun and exciting defensive pistol shooting sport, visit www.IDPA.com. You can also connect with IDPA online by following @OfficialIDPA on Twitter, like ShootIDPA on Facebook, watch IDPA TV, or check for regular news and updates on the DOWN ZERO Blog.

BERRYVILLE, Ark. – The International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) and Comp-Tac Victory Gear today announced the date of the 2013 Comp-Tac Republic of Texas IDPA Championship.

Serving as the Lone Star State’s premier defensive pistol shooting competition and state championship match, the Comp-Tac Republic of Texas IDPA Championship will take place Saturday, May 25 on the northwest side of Houston at the Impactzone Range in Hempstead.

“We are extremely pleased to have Comp-Tac Victory Gear, one of IDPA’s strongest industry partners, supporting the 2013 Texas state match as the title sponsor. Texas is IDPA country with several outstanding clubs and matches to serve our membership. The 2013 Comp-Tac Republic of Texas IDPA Championship is sure to be the highlight of the IDPA shooting season in the Lone Star State,” said Joyce Wilson, executive director for IDPA.

“As a Texas-based company Comp-Tac is always proud to sponsor the Texas State IDPA Championship. IDPA has been a major influence on Comp-Tac’s products and services and I feel there is no better way to thank them than to support the matches, especially those in our home state,” said Gregg Garrett, owner and president of Comp-Tac Victory Gear.

Serving as the host club for the 2013 championship will be the Thunder Tactical Shooters. Officials with the club expect to draw 200 of the state’s best IDPA shooters, making the match another sell-out event. Complete match registration details will be announced the first week of January.

For more information on IDPA, the 2013 Comp-Tac Republic of Texas IDPA Championship or to get started in this fun and exciting defensive pistol shooting sport, visit www.IDPA.com. You can also connect with IDPA online by following @OfficialIDPA on Twitter, like ShootIDPA on Facebook, watch IDPA TV, or check for regular news and updates on the DOWN ZERO Blog.

About Comp-Tac Victory Gear: Comp-Tac Victory Gear, a leading manufacturer of holsters for the personal defense and competition market, was formed in 2001 with the intention of designing holsters of the highest quality. Currently, Comp-Tac offers over 30 products with 92,000 possible variations to accommodate each individual’s lifestyle and needs. Thanks to the great support of their customers Comp-Tac continues to grow and refine their product line. For more information visit www.Comp-Tac.com. You can also keep up with the latest news by liking Comp-Tac on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CompTac or following @CompTac on Twitter.

About International Defensive Pistol Association: Founded in 1996, the International Defensive Pistol Association is the international governing body for IDPA competition which offers shooters a fun, safe, and challenging format to practice and test their gun handling skills through defensive-based scenarios. Today IDPA stands as the fastest growing shooting sport in the United States with 21,000 members from all 50 states and 54 foreign countries. IDPA's 321 affiliated clubs offer weekly and monthly matches as well as host major championships.